Thursday, November 8, 2018

REVIEW: 'Mom' - Jill, Marjorie and Tammy Look to What the Future Might Hold in 'Puzzle Club and a Closet Party'

CBS' Mom - Episode 6.07 "Puzzle Club and a Closet Party"

Christy and Wendy help Jill clean out her closet, which turns out to be a bigger job than expected. Bonnie, Marjorie and Tammy take up a new hobby.

In 2018, it has become very difficult to keep up with every television show out there. It's even more difficult to provide adequate coverage on this site about the episodes that air every week. Not every show can get full coverage because of my busy and hectic viewing schedule. As such, some reviews will now be condensed to give only some summary thoughts. But it also affords a space for me to jot down my thoughts on the various episodes. And so, here are my thoughts on this week's episode of CBS' Mom.

"Puzzle Club and a Closet Party" was directed by James Widdoes with story by Sheldon Bull & Britté Anchor and teleplay by Gemma Baker, Warren Bell & Alissa Neubauer

This episode really explores what's potentially next for a number of these characters. For Christy and Bonnie, it has already been clear this season. Christy is in law school trying to make her dreams a reality even though every day is difficult - especially with juggling two 12 step programs as well. Meanwhile, Bonnie is busy planning her wedding to Adam while also welcoming Tammy into her home. For the rest of the ladies though, things are a little up in the air. Right now, their lives mostly consist of doing puzzles all day long and cleaning out closets. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting caught up in a puzzle and the rush that comes from putting it together. It's actually quite amusing to see how dismissive Bonnie initially is only to be just as caught up in it as Marjorie and Tammy are by the end. That's very understandable and relatable. However, this puzzle also inspires reflection on the past and contemplation of what comes next. Sure, the audience already knows about Marjorie being in jail and how she met Victor. It's only new information to Tammy because she's a newcomer to this world. However, it's also appreciated that Bonnie and Marjorie get some perspective in their lives. Bonnie has to be okay with letting Adam try to build a new career for himself even though it means she is no longer the priority in his life. And Marjorie has to be open to the idea that Victor may not be her last love. Anything can happen because she was surprised when he came into her life. That means she's open to letting Tammy into her home as well. That actually seems like a great idea that will be beneficial for both of them. Even though Tammy drove Christy and Bonnie crazy, Bonnie still gets emotional when her friend is moving out. That too is a genuine moment because it's clear that underneath all of the jokes there is a great sense of love and humanity to these characters. The same is also true for Jill and her ongoing struggles. She has felt so depressed following her relapse. It has remained a constant struggle for her. And now, she finds herself trapped in a house that may only offer painful reminders of the tragic life she has lived. She sees herself as a failure because she has nothing to show off as a great achievement in her life. She isn't a wife or a mother. She wanted both of those things. She's just barely maintaining her sobriety. Christy and Wendy enjoy this offer to help Jill clean out her closet because of the expensive items they'll probably get out of it. But they are also there for their friend when she really needs it. Right now, she feels empty with her life. It's actually not such a bad idea to suggest that she get a job. Of course, it's not something she needs to do for the money involved. Christy and Wendy work because they are always struggling just to get by. Jill lives such a comfortable lifestyle. But a job would give her a new sense of purpose and structure. That could be very beneficial right now. The show even presents her with a new opportunity by volunteering at a local women's shelter. That's unexpected but may also be very beneficial to her. It may allow her to continue seeing the world from a different perspective.